NHS health checks, which could prevent 1,600 heart attacks and strokes each year, are now being rolled out across England.
Everyone aged between 40-74 will begin to be invited for a free health check as part of a national programme to identify their risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. The checks are part of the drive towards a more preventative NHS and will consist of: • Straightforward questions to patients on their health and diet, exercise habits and family medical history. • Height and weight measurements taken from patients. • A simple blood test for cholesterol and in some cases for glucose levels. • A follow up, personal assessment setting out the individual’s level of risk and what they can do to reduce this. • Recommendations of what could be done to reduce risk including: weight management programmes, stop smoking, physical activity programmes. The Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, also announced the start of two further measures – the abolition of prescription charges for cancer patients and the start of MRSA screening for elective patients.
